For the first time in its history, Israel now is involved in a direct military conflict with Iran. But, just like the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks—in which Osama bin Laden aimed to destroy American power in the Middle East and spearhead an Islamist takeover of the region— Sinwar’s bloody gambit didn’t quite go to plan. In the short term, it has showcased Israel’s military strength, defanged the Iranian-led “axis of resistance” and made the aspirations of Palestinian self-determination more remote than ever. “But this came at a very high cost and in reality hasn’t moved the United States an inch in its support of Israel. Yet, while the Palestinian cause is front and center of global attention once again, it is definitely not on Sinwar’s terms, said Firas Maksad, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington.

Source: Wall Street Journal October 19, 2024 06:40 UTC